Georgie Prespakis miss has not led to discussions to fast-track ARC into AFLW

The AFL have confirmed an error was made in Geelong’s win over the Western Bulldogs on Saturday in the opening AFLW round, but it will not cause any change across the league.

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 02: Georgie Prespakis of Geelong runs with the ball during the round one AFLW match between Geelong Cats and Western Bulldogs at GMHBA Stadium, on September 02, 2023, in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

The AFL has confirmed Geelong’s Georgie Prespakis should have been awarded a goal for a controversial incident in the second quarter against the Western Bulldogs.

Prespakis kicked on the run from about 30 metres out and wheeled away in celebration before noticing the goal umpire had signalled a point.

Prespakis’ shot was incorrectly ruled a behind. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Replays appeared to indicate the ball had snuck inside the post and an AFL spokesperson confirmed that after a post-match review, the call should have been a goal.

The incident did not impact the result of the match with the Cats going on to record a massive 48-point victory.

And it didn’t deter Prespakis who finished with a career-high 34 touches as well as 11 tackles.

The AFLW currently does not have the ARC technology used in the men’s competition. The Prespakis incident has not led to any discussions to fast-track its introduction.